Madonna pays $19 million to adopt Malawi orphan Mercy James

MalawiIt’s been revealed that singing sensation Madonna pumped more than $US12 million into the impoverished Malawi economy in the lead-up to the country’s Court of Appeal approving her adoption of the orphan Chifundo, aka Mercy James.

The ruing has angered NGOs and Welfare groups who say the overturning of the March decision by Supreme Court Judge Esme Chombo, “smacks of bribery.

“How can they refuse her requests when she gives Malawi so much?”

James Kambewa, who claims to be Mercy’s father, yesterday said he had opposed the adoption but claimed he was ignored.

James said, “I’m crying. I need my baby. I will not give up. I will contact whoever I can to try to find a way forward.”

While the decision might anger some, Chifundo’s uncle, Peter Baneti, said the family welcomed the ruling. “We hope Mercy will be joining Madonna soon,” he said.

Malawi’s Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo ruled that four-year-old Chifundo, will receive a better life with the star, who already has an adopted three-year-old son from Malawi named David Banda.

The judge said, “Madonna has been judged to be a compassionate, intelligent and articulate person. Her adoption of Mercy James is not a selfish act. No Malawian family has expressed their intention to adopt her.

“Baby CJ has only two options – to stay in an orphanage with no love or family or to be with the applicant where she is assured of love and care. Every child has the right to love.”

The 50-year-old entertainer is reported to have whooped with joy when she learned the news in a 3am phone call from her lawyer in Malawi.

Madonna is reported to have spent £12million ($US19.7 million) funding six orphanages, as well as paying for shoes, clothes, books and mosquito nets.

A private jet is said to be on standby to fly Mercy to New York as soon as her papers are ready. She will then be reunited with Madonna, her new sister Lourdes, 12, and brothers Rocco, eight, and David, three.